The first Christmas song rings through my home and a huge lump forms in my throat. My eyes well with tears. Memories of pizza bread in front of the fire, a warm cup of cocoa with fluffy marshmallows , and softly falling snow through clouded window sills.
Your kids may be wishing for the latest and greatest toys and gadgets this Christmas. As they rush down the staircase on Christmas morn’, wide-eyed and hopeful for something under the tree that was on their list. While it’s fun to surprise our children with some of their favorite material things, that’s not the best gift you can give your kids.
It’s not something that can be wrapped. Immanuel – God with us. God became flesh to bring us Himself in the most selfless and sacrificial way!
Give them C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S:
C- Christ
This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.
– Frank McKibben
Always keep Christmas Christ-centered. Whether you acknowledge Santa and all of the other commercialized fun, always keep Jesus at the center. Make Him the focus. Make room for him above the hustle and bustle and chaotic tendencies.
H- Home
Make home a safe and warm place. Put aside any harsh words and fights. Box them up and send them packing. Try your best not to provoke them and harden their spirit.
PEACE IS . . .
~ gazing at the stars with the knowledge
that you know their Creator.
~ closing your eyes in sleep without fear
of tomorrow.
~ the stillness in your heart when trouble swirls
around you.
~ a quiet mind in a raging world.– unknown
R- Reaching Out To Others
One of the best ways you can raise your children to be selfless in a selfish world, is giving to others as a family. What ways could you give to others this Christmas time?
The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.
– Robert Flatt
I- Be Intentional
Don’t rush through your days without purpose. Be intentional and thoughtful. Imagine for a moment your child as an adult. What kid of character do you want them to have? How do you want them to treat others? Find ways to nurture and help develop these things in your children today!
S- Snuggle & Hugs
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.-Christina Rossetti
Maybe your parents weren’t as affectionate with you as you would have liked. It may be hard to be affectionate with your children. Start small. Do your best and watch your affection grow. Your children will love the snuggles and hugs and whatever affection you can provide them.
T- Time
Time is one of the most priceless gifts of all. When you choose “them” over other important responsibilities, they will notice. Focus on improving your relationship with your children. Make time to take them on dates and to have those late night chats over milk and cookies. They will grow up way too fast and you will miss your opportunity to cultivate your relationship with your children.
The best Christmas gift of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another.
Jesus is the reason for the season!
From a little spark may burst a mighty flame.
The only blind person at Christmastime is he who has not Christmas in his heart. – Helen Keller
M- Meals together at the table
Make time to gather around the table. Take time to listen to their hopes and dreams over chicken pot pie. Listen long enough to hear their heart.
A- Affirmation
Children desire affirmation from us. One word of affirmation could change your child’s future! Tell them how much they mean and are loved. Don’t just tell them once. Do it over and over.
S- Spiritual Examples
The Son of God became a man to
enable men to become the sons of God.-C.S.Lewis
We all know that as parents, we make a world of mistakes. But they have us as parents for a time. A specific time in history. Choose to live as parents who love God’s Word and live it out to the best of their ability. Parents who love well and ask for forgiveness often. Parents that aren’t hypocrites but that truly live out their faith. These are the gifts that will last a lifetime!
